Pandemic wave of automation may be bad news for workers

 Click HERE

the latest wave of automation could eliminate jobs and erode bargaining power, particularly for the lowest-paid workers, in a lasting way.

Automation may harm specific workers, but if it makes the economy more productive, that could be good for workers as a whole

Technology, she said, is easing pressure on workers and speeding up service when restaurants are chronically understaffed. "Our approach is, this is an assistant for you," she said. "This allows our employee to really focus" on customers.

technologies developed for one purpose tend to spread to similar tasks, which could make it hard for workers harmed by automation to shift to another occupation or industry.

"Today it's, 'We want to get these robots in here to replace you because we feel like you're overpaid and we can get this kid in there and all he has to do is push this button.'"